Dayton Travels To Push His Side In Minn. Shutdown
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Dayton plans to travel around Minnesota this week as the state's government shutdown continues, even as he says he's ready to return to budget talks with legislative Republicans.
The Democratic governor held a news conference Monday to outline several revenue-raising options he says he will consider to break the impasse over taxes and spending. They include eliminating tax breaks, expanding the sales tax while lowering the rate, or raising taxes on alcohol and cigarettes.
Op-Ed From Gov. Mark Dayton On Shutdown (PDF) | Governor Dayton: What's At Stake For Minnesota (YouTube)
Top Republicans are urging Dayton to call an immediate special session so they can pass a temporary funding measure and pieces of the state budget.
Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch says Republicans are working on a counteroffer to Dayton.
They adamantly oppose new taxes or any new revenue beyond $34 billion projected to come in over two years.
Dayton says he will visit St. Cloud Tuesday, southern Minnesota Wednesday and Moorhead Friday.
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